Handlebars And Stars In Nz

In what can only be described as a dominating return to form, Australian Charlie "Handlebars" Kovacs and Dynamik Kiwi Simon Wills, have dominated proceedings at the inaugural running of the V8 Utes International at Manfield on New Zealand's North Island. At no stage over the weekend did the New Zealand Car Parts/Carryboy/TWL #69 Commodore team finish out side the top three. As well as taking out the teams final, Kovacs and Wills made it a clean sweep of every point score on the weekend by accumulating more points then any other in the 'Top Australian', 'Top New Zealander' and 'Teams Champion' classes. Kovacs had a uniquely Australian way of expressing his feelings about the weekend. "Bloody Fantastic, I got the best out of myself thanks to Simon and he has fitted into the team very well. He has bought a new degree of focus to the team." Kovacs said. "We used each practice lap as practice. We concentrated on getting the most out of the car so when it came time for
racing we were ready."

Wills was always optimistic about their chances. "We have been able to get faster with each session and Charlie and I like the car the same way. Ute's are very different to a V8 Supercar in every way imaginable. They are a lot slower, but because of that, they are a good car for learning to not overdrive and allowed to do their own thing." The Ute series is renowned as a rough and tumble affair and some time, more than just good preparation is required to win. Driving hard is one thing but 'driving smart' is sometimes a better tactic. "I knew we had the car and I knew I could drive it. Finally everything that needs to come together to win did. "Kovacs said with a smile, "It's an emotional win for us, after the season we would like to forget, but this is the way to start a new year." Kovacs said on the podium. Wills was equally supportive of his team boss on the podium in saying that they really do run a professional outfit. One thing that was no great surprise was the continued support that Handlebars received from the record crowd that attended over the weekend. "We received a lot of support not only at the track but also from people at restaurants at dinner "Kovacs admitted. "The people over here are pure Ute fans and I know I signed a lot of merchandise and posters. It really was a great weekend all around." In post race celebrations, Kovacs and Wills both paid homage to those that had got behind the duo. "We are obviously excited not just for the team but, the hard working sponsors that got behind us for this weekend." Kovacs said. "They were all here and they know we would not have had the opportunity if they had not helped." When asked if the much talked about Australian leg of the challenge did go ahead, would the "Sauce" and "Handlebars" team up again, Kovacs would only say. "Watch this space!" Complete recap of results Combined Fastest Practice Times for Thursday and Friday. 1 1 Dean Perkins NZ 1.21.57 Ford 2 3 Jason Richards NZ 1.22.59 Holden 3 69 Simon Wills NZ 1.22.60 Holden

Qualifying 1

1 3 Jason Richards NZ Holden

2 22 James Brock AUST Holden

3 69 Charlie Kovacs AUST Holden

4 18 Michael Bristow NZ Holden

5 27 Kim Jane AUST Holden



Qualifying 2

1 41 Chris Pither NZ Holden

2 69 Simon Wills NZ Holden

3 11 Jack Elsegood AUST Ford

4 71 Marcus Zukanovic AUST Ford

5 3 Garry Baxter AUST Holden


Race 1

1 3 Jason Richards NZ Holden

2 69 Charlie Kovacs AUST Holden

3 1 Damien White AUST Ford

4 27 Kim Jane AUST Holden

5 18 Michael Bristow NZ Holden


Race 2

1 69 Simon Wills NZ Holden

2 71 Marcus Zukanovic AUST Ford

3 41 Chris Pither NZ Holden

4 18 Matt O'Grady AUST Holden

5 3 Garry Baxter AUST Holden


SUNDAY'S RACE RESULTS

1. Garry MacDonald Holden AUS

2. Charlie Kovacs Holden AUS

3 Nick Ross Holden NZ


Race 2 Reverse Grid Team 2

1. Wade Henshaw Holden NZ

2. Simon Wills Holden NZ

3 Dean Perkins Ford NZ


24 Lap V8 UTE INTERNATIONAL FINAL

1. Simon Wills/ Charlie Kovacs Holden

2 Kim Jane/Rhys McKay Holden

3 Dean Perkins/Damien White Ford

The final point score for the weekend is as follows: 1 69 Kovacs/Wills NZ Car Parts/Carry Boy 123 2 27 Jane/McKay Melbourne's Cheapest Cars 107
3 1 White/Perkins Team IMB 105


Highest Placed Australian Driver
Charlie Kovacs 61 points

Highest Placed New Zealand Driver
Simon Wills 62 points

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